Sanford A. Pruett

Deputy Pruett was intentionally stuck and killed by the driver of an auto which he, four other Cleveland County Sheriff's Deputies and a United States Federal Revenue Officer had stopped. Deputy Pruett was assisting the federal officer in apprehending a bootlegger. After stopping the suspects vehicle, the officers approached. As they approached the vehicle, the driver put the vehicle in reverse and attempted to strike the officers. Deputy Pruett was struck and killed as he pushed another officer clear of the oncoming car.

The driver of the vehicle and three passengers were arrested and charged with manslaughter, but those charges were later dismissed by a District Judge.

Deputy Pruett had served with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department for six years and was survived by his wife and children.